What a Virginia Class D License Is

A Class D license in Virginia is a standard driver's license for operators of passenger vehicles — cars, pickup trucks, vans, and similar vehicles under 26,001 pounds. It is the most common license type and the one most people get when they first learn to drive. Class D covers you to drive alone on any public road in Virginia and reciprocal states, and it is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Virginia issues Class D licenses to residents who pass the written knowledge test, the driving skills test, and a vision screening. You do not need a Class D if you only drive motorcycles (you would get a Class M instead) or if you operate commercial trucks or buses (those require a Commercial Driver's License, or CDL). If you drive a passenger vehicle for personal use, Class D is what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class D license lets you drive passenger vehicles on public roads in Virginia and most other states, and is valid for five years.
  • You must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening to get a Class D; the written test can be taken at age 15 years 6 months.
  • Virginia offers a graduated licensing system with a Learner's Permit (age 15 years 6 months) and a Restricted License (age 16 years 3 months) before you can get an unrestricted Class D.
  • If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia license, you can skip the Learner's Permit and Restricted License stages and go straight to a Class D.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.

Age Requirements and the Graduated Licensing Path

Virginia requires drivers under 18 to go through a graduated licensing system with two intermediate steps before reaching an unrestricted Class D. You can take the written test and get a Learner's Permit at age 15 years 6 months. With a Learner's Permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

At age 16 years 3 months, you can take the driving skills test and move to a Restricted License. A Restricted License lets you drive alone during the day (5 a.m. to midnight) but not at night, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. You must hold a Restricted License for at least six months before you can get an unrestricted Class D at age 17.

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia driver's license, you can skip both the Learner's Permit and Restricted License stages. You can go directly to a Class D by passing the written test, the driving skills test, and the vision screening in one visit to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Documents You Need to Bring

Virginia requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa as proof of identity and date of birth. You will also need proof that you live in Virginia — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You must provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide either, Virginia will issue a license without a number, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes like boarding an airplane. Bring your original documents; copies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The Virginia written test has 35 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test covers Virginia-specific rules like right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish at any DMV office.

Virginia provides a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual on the DMV website. Many people study it for a few weeks before taking the test. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

The Driving Skills Test and Road Test Requirements

The driving skills test is a 20-minute road test with a DMV examiner in your vehicle. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers like starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They also observe how you handle traffic, follow speed limits, and respond to traffic signals. You must demonstrate safe driving habits and knowledge of the rules of the road.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's windshield wipers, lights, horn, brakes, and steering must all work. The examiner will check these before the test begins. You can use a vehicle that belongs to someone else, but it must be insured and registered. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you will not be able to take the test that day.

You can retake the driving skills test, but you must wait at least one business day between attempts. Each retake costs the same as the initial test. Many people pass on the first try, but if you do not, studying the manual again and practicing with a licensed driver can help you prepare for the next attempt.

Fees and How Long It Takes

The cost of a Class D license varies depending on your age and how long you want it to last. A five-year Class D for someone under 21 costs less than a five-year Class D for someone 21 or older. The written test fee and the driving skills test fee are separate from the license fee itself. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 total for all three components, though exact amounts change periodically.

You can find the current fee schedule on the Virginia DMV website. Some DMV offices allow you to pay online before you arrive, which can speed up the process. If you fail either test, you will pay the test fee again when you retake it, but you will not pay the license fee until you pass both tests and are ready to receive your license.

Getting your license usually takes one to two weeks from the date you pass both tests. The DMV will mail your physical license to the address you provide. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that day, which you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

Restrictions and Conditions on Your Class D License

Once you have an unrestricted Class D, you can drive a passenger vehicle anywhere in Virginia without conditions. However, if you are under 18, your license will still carry restrictions even after you move from a Restricted License to a Class D. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency.

These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. After you turn 18, all restrictions are lifted and you have a fully unrestricted Class D. If you receive traffic violations or are convicted of certain driving offenses, the DMV may suspend or revoke your license, which is separate from the restrictions that come with age.

Renewing Your Class D License

Your Class D license is valid for five years. Virginia sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving skills tests — you only need to update your information and pay the renewal fee.

You must renew in person if your vision has changed significantly, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you want to change your address. You will need to pass a vision screening again at that time. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake both the written test and the driving skills test to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class D license if I am not a Virginia resident?

No. Virginia only issues driver's licenses to people who live in Virginia. You must provide proof of Virginia residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. If you move to Virginia from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license to a Virginia Class D without retaking the tests, as long as your out-of-state license is still valid.

What if I fail the driving skills test?

You can retake the driving skills test after waiting at least one business day. You will pay the test fee again. Many people pass on the second or third attempt. The examiner will give you feedback about what you need to improve, and practicing with a licensed driver before your next test can help you succeed.

Do I need a Class D to drive a motorcycle?

No. Motorcycles require a separate Class M license. You can get a Class M at the same time as a Class D, or you can get a Class M on its own. The written test and skills test for a Class M are different from those for a Class D, and you must use a motorcycle for the skills test.

What happens if my Class D license expires while I am out of state?

You can still drive on an expired license for a short time, but it is not legal. You should renew your license before it expires. If it has expired, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as your license has not been expired for more than one year. If it has been expired for more than a year, you will need to retake the written and driving skills tests.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant Class D license?

Yes. Virginia offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which you can use for federal purposes like boarding an airplane or entering a federal building. You must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency, and you will pay a slightly higher fee. Ask at your DMV office whether you want a standard Class D or a Real ID Class D when you explore.